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The Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov) regulates the items that can be packed for air travel in the United States. Travelers must pack proper identification for any flight and ensure that all luggage, both checked and carry-on, meet the TSA guidelines. Before packing a suitcase, travelers should check with their airline for any baggage size or weight restrictions.

Documentation Requirements

All adults, ages 18 and over, must pack a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport in an easily accessible location to present at the security checkpoint at the airport. A boarding pass must also be presented to the TSA officer. In the event that a traveler arrives at the airport without proper identification, additional identity-verifying questions may be asked and additional screening procedures may be required.

Carry-On Baggage

Although there is no regulation for common items such as clothing, reading materials, cameras and laptop computers, the TSA regulates the number of liquid items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and bottled water, permitted in carry-on luggage. Travelers must pack their liquid items in a single, clear quart-size bag. Each item in the bag must be in a 3.4-oz. or smaller container. Airline passengers can also take small scissors, those with a 4-inch or shorter blade and tools that are 7 inches or shorter with them on the plane, although larger tools are prohibited.

Carry-On Exceptions

Certain travelers are able to bring additional liquids past the TSA checkpoint, so long as the items are declared to the TSA officer. Mothers traveling with or without an infant are allowed to carry breast milk onto the plane, while parents traveling with an infant or toddler may bring as much formula, juice and baby food that is needed during travel. Airplane passengers with medical needs may bring prescription liquid medications aboard the aircraft. All liquids that are an exception to the rule must be stored separately and may require additional screenings.

Checked Baggage

The majority of traveler items may be packed inside a checked piece of luggage, including larger tools, weaponry, sporting goods and bottles of liquids. Sharp objects placed in a checked bag must be placed in a sheath or padded to prevent injury in the event the bag must be opened by a TSA officer. Gifts should be packed separately from their wrapping to avoid having them opened during a screening procedure. Travelers who wish to lock their bags may do so, although TSA approved locks are recommended so that the locks will not have to be cut if the bags must be opened.

About the Author

Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Titus, Mandi. "List of Things You Can Pack to Fly on an Airplane." Travel Tips - USA Today, http://traveltips.usatoday.com/list-things-can-pack-fly-airplane-60392.html. Accessed 21 February 2018.

Titus, Mandi. (n.d.). List of Things You Can Pack to Fly on an Airplane. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from http://traveltips.usatoday.com/list-things-can-pack-fly-airplane-60392.html

Titus, Mandi. "List of Things You Can Pack to Fly on an Airplane" accessed February 21, 2018. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/list-things-can-pack-fly-airplane-60392.html

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